The art of play...

We've spoken to Sarah Owen, founder of children's pre-school drama, music and creative play classes Pyjama Drama. Sarah tells us why she thinks play is so important for little ones and why it is a skill parents and children can learn together. She's also given us some great ideas for games we can play at home!

What is the importance of play for preschool children?

Anyone who spends any amount of time with pre school children understands that providing them with opportunities for play provides so much more than a few minutes or hours of 'fun'. Play also allows children to relax, let off steam, develops social skills such as concentration and co-operation, encourages the development of the imagination, develops motor skills and teaches self expression. Many children seem to be born with an innate ability to play, but some children find it more difficult and need to 'learn' how to play effectively.

What role does play take in a Pyjama Drama session?

Play, or dramatic play, is an integral part to each and every Pyjama Drama session. We use dramatic play to teach children about the world around them - the one in which they live and the ones in their imaginations!

Each session is structured (which allows children a safe and supportive environment in which to express themselves) in to approximately seven different activities, each activity designed to provide a meaningful context for children to learn new concepts and develop new skills. So for example, by playing 'Autumn Leaves' (see below) a child learns about autumn whilst developing movement skills and self expression.

How does dramatic play in particular benefit children?

Dramatic play is essential to a child's social (or emotional) development and can play a large part in their physical development too.

In Pyjama Drama, through drama based activities such as improvisation and role play, children are encouraged to 'trial' real life situations before they happen - one session may involve taking a train to the seaside for example which is an event that may well be outside of many children's actual experience. Such activities also contribute to a child's emotional development as they learn to see life from a different perspective - they may take on the role of a shop keeper selling shoes or a plant that is desperate for a drink for example!

Dramatic play develops key social skills (such as concentration, co-operation and confidence) as children are required to take turns, listen to one another and share. And of course, dramatic play encourages children to use their imaginations, which is closely linked to intellectual development.

What games can I play at home?

The following three games can be played with a single child, or with a group of children. You do not need any special equipment and they can all be played at home.

Hide and seek pig (age 3 - 5)

Children are in role as one of the three little pigs. Parent in role as the big bad wolf! (Children can also take it in turns to be the wolf)

Learn this simple script:

Wolf: Little pig, little pig, let me come in

Pig: Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin

Wolf: Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!

The game

The little pig hides in their 'house' (behind the sofa/under the bed etc.) and the wolf knocks on the 'door' and begins the simple script. Parents should encourage children to remember the script and to use the voice of the wolf or the pig. At the end of the script the wolf tries to blow the house down and the pig runs away to another hiding place. The wolf then has to look for the pig's house and when they find it the game begins again. Repeat until the pig finds himself a very strong house that the wolf can't blow down.

Autumn Leaves - an action rhyme (age 2 - 5)

Child and parent are in role as autumn leaves although the parent or child may wish to take on the role of the wind who hides in a corner and swoops round the fallen leaf. Sound effects can be made with voices, instruments or even pots and pans!

See me turning round and round (child turns)
Floating gently to the ground (child falls to the floor with controlled movements)
The autumn wind blows in the sky (child lies still)
Then swoops down low and lifts me high! (child stands up and jumps - small children may be lifted in to the air by their parents)

Where is my hair? (age - from 18 months)

You will need a piece of cloth (a tea towel for example) for each person playing the game, which should be placed on the players heads.

The game

Parent models the game and begins:

I woke up with this lovely hair (touch cloth)
I don't know where it came from (shrug)
I closed my eyes and when I looked (close eyes tightly and then open them)
My lovely hair was gone! (parent take the cloth off the child's head)

How can you get more involved with Pyjama Drama?

Pyjama Drama has been running in Mid Wales for the past three years and has been delivered to literally thousands of children and their parents. Due to its huge success, Pyjama Drama is now available as a franchise package. You do not have to have any child care qualifications, or be a teacher to run Pyjama Drama as full training and ongoing support is given. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone who wishes to put their family first, whilst developing their own exciting and fulfilling career. Even working on a part time basis, Pyjama Drama offers excellent financial rewards. If you love playing with children, like to sing and enjoy the world of make believe then this is the opportunity for you!

For more details - click here or visit www.pyjamadrama.com or telephone Sarah on 01938 555775.